Mike Bivins, 37, was found guilty by a Multnomah County jury for a series of hate crimes that took place over four days two years ago.
The jury deliberated for approximately four hours before convicting Bivins on all 11 counts, which included serious charges such as first-degree arson and second-degree bias crime, the legal term used for hate crimes.
Bivins, who once worked as an independent videographer and freelance journalist with Willamette Week, was known for his critical coverage of far-right protests during the mid-2010s.
However, after departing from journalism in 2019, he turned to an ideology marked by racial and religious hatred.
During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence that included racist documents found in Bivins’ Sellwood neighborhood apartment and inflammatory posts he made on social media.
In his closing arguments, prosecutor Quinn Zemel emphasized the broader impact of hate crimes. He stated, “The reason why we take actions matters – and they have different effects.”
Zemel highlighted that vandalism labeled as hate crime undermines an entire community, not just the immediate victims.
Bivins’ spree of vandalism began on April 30, 2022, when he targeted Congregation Shir Tikvah, a synagogue in east Portland, smashing its window as well as vandalizing Everybody Eats PDX, a Black-owned restaurant.
He proceeded to deface Congregation Beth Israel in Northwest Portland and, on May 3, used an accelerant to attempt to set fire to the Muslim Community Center in North Portland.
Surveillance footage showed that the flames self-extinguished, largely due to the building’s fire-resistant siding. Worshippers inside were unaware of the attempted attack, discovering the scorch marks only the following day.
Bivins, dissatisfied by the absence of media attention regarding his actions, disguised himself and approached a reporter from KPTV, Chandler Watkins, at the station’s Beaverton headquarters.
He disclosed the crimes he committed and suggested that he would return in two days after the reporter verified the information with law enforcement.
In a chilling confession, he asserted his intention to continue his spree until apprehended.
Watkins, alarmed by his remarks, and her managers decided to notify law enforcement.
Police arrested Bivins when he arrived at the agreed location, getting off a bus near the TV station.
Defense counsel Alicia Hercher argued in her closing that the state had failed to meet the burden of proof necessary for a conviction.
She pointed out that detectives were also investigating another suspect linked to threatening messages sent to the imam of the Muslim Community Center.
Hercher stressed the lack of fingerprints, DNA evidence, or clear video footage identifying Bivins as the perpetrator, indicating that such details are critical in criminal cases.
Despite the defense’s claims, the jury returned a unanimous verdict favoring the prosecution.
Observing the courtroom dynamics, it was notable that Bivins had no supporters present during the three-day trial.
His mother had passed away while he was in custody, and he is currently facing additional pending federal charges.
Throughout the proceedings, Bivins faced admonishment from deputies when he attempted to engage with media representatives during breaks, stating that his situation was “top news.”
At one point, he entertained the idea of taking the witness stand but refrained after being cautioned by Judge Eric Dahlin, who warned him against actions that could lead to a mistrial.
Ultimately, Bivins did not testify on his behalf and showed little emotion when the verdict was delivered.
As he was taken away in handcuffs, Bivins muttered ominously, “You haven’t heard the last of me.”
Sentencing for Bivins is scheduled for September 19.
image source from：oregonlive
